Elton John still standing - and ready for one night only in Belfast

Elton John has confirmed he will play Belfast’s SSE Arena next year despite winding down his previously hectic touring schedule.

The music legend, who became the first artist to play in the grounds of Stormont in 1998, has sold more than 300 million records, including 50 Top 40 hits and seven consecutive number one albums in the US.

His single ‘Candle in the Wind 1997’ sold more than 33 million copies and remains the best-selling single in the history of both the UK and US singles charts.

The show will take place on Friday, December 2, 2016 and tickets go on sale on Monday (December 14) at 9am - available from all Ticketmaster outlets, the SSE Arena box office 9073 9074, a 24-hour credit card hotline on 0844 277 4455(NI)/0818 719300 (ROI) and at www.ticketmaster.ie.

The singer/songwriter has given more than 4,000 performances in a career spanning five decades and said he wants to spend more time with his family.

“These concerts will give me the chance to thank the fans who have been so faithful to me over these many decades. We cannot get to everyone but I am going to try to. Belfast has a special place in my heart, and that is why I have always returned to this wonderful city.”